When Sara and Ty first reached out to us about their plans, we had no idea just how magical their day would turn out to be. When Sara and Ty first reached out to us, we had no idea we were about to document one of the most intentional and joy-filled wedding days we’ve ever been part of.

As a Brainard Lake elopement photographer and videographer team, Jake and I have seen a lot of incredible days, but this one…this one felt like a movie. From a sunrise hot air balloon ride to a heartfelt ceremony beside one of Colorado’s most beautiful alpine lakes, every piece of their day was filled with meaning, laughter, and pure love.

Sara and Ty’s Brainard Lake, Colorado Elopement Video

Grab your tissue box and click here to watch Sara and Ty’s elopement video on YouTube!

Planning Their Elopement with us as their Brainard Lake Colorado elopement photographer and videographer

When we hopped on our first call with Sara and Ty in July 2024 to start planning their surprise elopement for the following summer, it was instantly clear that these two were creating something special. They had this calm, genuine energy and already knew they wanted their day to feel deeply personal and relaxed. No stress, no performance, just love.

They were planning to invite only a handful of their family members, people who truly knew them, and keep their elopement completely secret from everyone else until after the fact. We loved that idea right away. There’s something so powerful about being surrounded only by the people who matter most, tucked away in the mountains, focused entirely on what the day is about: marrying your best friend.

During that first conversation, Sara mentioned that they wanted to include a hot air balloon ride. It was something they had done together before and had become a little part of their story. When she said it, I think I actually squealed. I could already picture it: the soft golden light of sunrise, the sound of the burner, the quiet as the world shrinks below you. It felt so perfectly them: adventurous, thoughtful, and full of joy.

Sunrise Adventure: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Boulder, Colorado

On the morning of their wedding, Jake and I woke up before sunrise and drove through the still, sleepy Colorado hills to meet them at Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Company in Boulder. This hot air balloon company was amazing! I would highly recommend them for any couple looking to include this activity in their elopement day! Anyway, we arrived at 5:45 AM for their 6:30 launch, the sky just beginning to blush pink behind the mountains. There’s something about that early morning stillness that feels electric, like the whole world is holding its breath.

Watching the balloon slowly fill and rise into the air was mesmerizing. My (Bailee’s) heart was racing with excitement. It was my very first time in a hot air balloon, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Floating above the fields and foothills with Sara and Ty as the sun crept up over the horizon was one of the most breathtaking experiences ever. They held hands, laughed, and toasted champagne as the light turned golden.

Meanwhile, Jake stayed on the ground capturing it all with his drone, and oh my goodness, he nailed it. The footage of the balloon drifting over the mountains, bathed in sunrise light, was absolutely stunning. It was quiet, peaceful, and somehow felt like time had slowed down just for them.

That morning set the tone for the rest of their day. It wasn’t just about getting married. It was about creating moments they’d never forget.

Getting Ready in Black Hawk: Cozy Mountain Vibes

After the balloon ride, everyone took a little break before regrouping at their Airbnb in Black Hawk, Colorado later that afternoon. Their cabin was tucked into the trees, surrounded by mountain views, and had this soft, peaceful energy that made you instantly slow down.

When we arrived, Sara was finishing up her hair while her mom carefully arranged flowers on the table. Ty was laughing with his brothers in another room, and music drifted quietly through the house. The atmosphere was so calm and full of love.

We spent that time capturing all the little details: their rings, handwritten vows, Sara’s Converse, Ty’s tie draped across his shoes. There was no rush, no strict timeline. Just everyone being fully present.

When it came time for their first look, it felt like something out of a dream. They stood outside among the trees, taking a deep breath before turning to face each other. The second their eyes met, everything else faded away. They laughed, cried, hugged tightly, and just soaked in that moment. It was slow, intentional, and perfect.

After their first look, they sat together for a few minutes, holding hands, talking softly, and enjoying the mountain air before we all packed up to head to Brainard Lake for their ceremony.

Arriving at Brainard Lake for Their Ceremony

As a Brainard Lake, Colorado, elopement photographer and videographer, we can tell you that mountain weather always keeps us on our toes, and that day was no exception. When we arrived at Brainard Lake, it was raining. Not a light drizzle, but a good steady mountain rain that soaked the ground and filled the air with that earthy, piney smell that only Colorado can deliver.

But instead of letting it throw them off, they both just smiled and laughed. Everyone had umbrellas and jackets ready to go, and there was something cozy and cinematic about the whole scene.

We waited it out for a bit until they decided they didn’t want to wait any longer. She looked at Ty and said, “Let’s do this.” They stepped out onto the trail with their family gathered around, the sound of rain falling softly on their umbrellas.

And then, just as Sara finished reading her vows, the rain stopped. Completely.

The clouds broke apart and golden sunlight filtered through the mountains, lighting up the lake behind them. Everyone put their umbrellas away and just stood in awe. It was the kind of serendipitous moment you can’t plan.

The Heartfelt Ceremony at Brainard Lake, Colorado

Their ceremony was simple and deeply meaningful. They had thought through every little detail, right down to how they wanted to meet each other in the middle of the aisle instead of having a traditional entrance. It was symbolic, meeting halfway, walking toward one another as equal partners.

They exchanged vows that had everyone (including us) tearing up (okay, sobbing). Their words were full of gratitude, friendship, and joy. The mountains reflected perfectly in the still water behind them, and the air felt charged with love.

As a Brainard Lake, Colorado elopement photographer and videographer, these are the moments that fill our hearts. The kind that remind us this is so much more than just taking photos or videos. It’s about preserving the little moments that make each couple’s story completely unique.

When they shared their first kiss as a married couple, everyone cheered. The joy on their faces said everything.

Champagne, Hot Air Balloon Cookies, and The Sweetest First Dance

After the ceremony, the celebrations kicked off in the best way. Sara popped champagne while Ty sprayed a bottle of Coke (because that’s his favorite drink). It was the perfect touch and so authentically them. Everyone laughed as the bottles fizzed over, and they toasted to the newlyweds on the shores of Brainard Lake.

Then came one of the cutest details of the entire day: custom hot air balloon cookies. Each one was decorated with bright colors and delicate details, a sweet nod to the morning’s adventure.

Their first dance followed shortly after, right on the lakeshore. The rain had left the ground sparkling, the sky glowing, and their song drifted through the quiet air. They danced, barefoot and laughing, while their families clapped and cheered. It was one of those moments that felt frozen in time.

Post-Ceremony Adventure: Long Lake and Lantern Light

After some family photos, Sara and Ty said their goodbyes and the four of us set off for more exploring. We wanted to give them a little time to just be together and soak in everything that had happened.

We drove the short road to Long Lake, another stunning alpine spot nearby. The air was cool, the sky painted in soft greys and blues as the sun dipped behind the peaks. We brought out lanterns, and as the light faded, we created some magic. The glow of the lanterns reflected off the water, and the whole scene felt otherworldly.

They held hands, whispered to each other, and laughed as the wind caught Sara’s veil. It was quiet and peaceful, the perfect way to end such an intentional day!

Before heading back into town to meet their families, they signed their marriage license on a flat rock by lantern light. It felt symbolic. No fancy tables, no pens with ribbons, just them, the mountains, and the soft glow of light surrounding them.

Keeping It a Secret: The Best Surprise Ever

The best part? No one outside of that little circle of family knew about it. For two whole months, Sara and Ty kept their elopement completely secret. They told their friends and extended family they were still “engaged” and even planned what everyone thought was an engagement party.

When the night came, they played their elopement video and revealed that they had already been married for months. Everyone cried, laughed, and celebrated all over again. They got to relive their day surrounded by people they loved with nothing but excitement.

That reveal might have been one of the most creative and heartfelt things we’ve ever seen!

What Sara and Ty Said about Their Brainard Lake Elopement

“When we got engaged, we knew right away that the traditional wedding route wasn’t for us. We wanted something that felt true to who we are and that’s when we started searching for an elopement team who would really understand our vision. After what felt like endless scrolling, we found Alpine Vows…and everything clicked. From our very first video call with Bailee and Jake, we felt an instant connection. They didn’t just listen to our ideas, they understood the heart behind them, even the things we didn’t put into words. It felt like they could see the exact day we had been dreaming of and bring it to life.

What makes them so special is that, even though they do this every single day, the wedding magic never fades for them. They show up to each wedding with the same joy, passion, and excitement as if it’s their very first. Bailee especially has the biggest heart…I’ll never forget glancing over at her during our ceremony and seeing tears streaming down her face. That’s how deeply she cares. It’s not just a job to her or to Jake…it’s who they are. We even had to joke with Bailee that every wedding and every couple can’t be her favorite…but I truly believe her when she says that all of them are!

And when it comes to talent? They’re remarkable. Bailee and Jake see beauty in places most people would miss. They notice the smallest details-the light shifting through the trees, the perfect angle, the hidden trail that leads to the dream spot you didn’t even know you wanted. They know Colorado like home and somehow manage to match couples to locations as if they were always meant to be there. We never would have chosen Brainard Lake ourselves, but they guided us there…and it was exactly what we had been searching for without even realizing it.

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering the same things we did: Will it feel awkward spending our day with strangers? Will they get us? Will they make us feel comfortable? Let me just say — no, yes, and YES. Spending the day with Bailee and Jake felt like hanging out with friends we’d known forever. They made us laugh, kept us calm, and somehow made being in front of the camera (which is so not our natural state) feel easy and fun. From the first emails to the late-night texts to the countless calls, they took the time to know us…really know us…and made our experience feel uniquely ours.

Choosing them was one of the best decisions we made. Not only did we get breathtaking photos and video, but we also gained two incredible friends. We’ll forever be grateful for them, their talent, and the way they poured so much love into our day. If you’re lucky enough to work with Bailee and Jake, trust me you’re in for something truly unforgettable!
-The Lawrence’s”

Why We Love Being a Brainard Lake, Colorado Elopement Photographer and Videographer

Brainard Lake is one of those places that never loses its magic. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, just outside Boulder, it offers unreal alpine views without requiring a major hike. The water glows turquoise on sunny days, the peaks rise dramatically behind it, and wildflowers fill the meadows in summer.

As a Brainard Lake, Colorado elopement photographer and videographer, we love how versatile and intimate it feels. You can have a quiet lakeside ceremony, hike up for panoramic views, or explore nearby spots like Long Lake or Mitchell Lake for portraits. Every angle of this place looks like a postcard.

Beyond the views, there’s something about Brainard Lake that feels peaceful. The air is crisp, the sound of wind in the trees feels grounding, and the light here always seems to hit just right. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply, exactly the kind of energy you want on your wedding day.

How to Elope at Brainard Lake, Colorado

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, I want to do that,” here’s what you should know about planning your own Brainard Lake elopement.

1. Permits and Access:
As of now, there are no special wedding permits required to elope at Brainard Lake Recreation Area. However, there is a timed entry pass that you will need to obtain in order to get into the recreation area. You can read all about how to elope at Brainard Lake here!

2. Best Time of Year:
The summer months (late June through early October) are the most accessible. Before late June, snow often lingers, and the gate is usually closed to vehicle traffic. In summer, you’ll find lush green meadows, crystal-clear water, and wildflowers everywhere. Depending on the snowfall, the gate is closed to vehicle traffic mid-October through mid to late June. You can still access this area in the winter, however, you will need to snowshoe in. Adding an additional 2 miles one way to your trip.

3. Weather:
Colorado mountain weather can change quickly. Bring layers, rain gear, and a sense of adventure. Sometimes the most beautiful photos happen after a storm, like Sara and Ty’s ceremony when the rain gave way to golden sunshine.

4. Leave No Trace:
We care deeply about keeping this area beautiful, it is truly our favorite place in Colorado. Stay on trails, pack out everything you bring, and be mindful of wildlife (you will see moose!). Brainard Lake is a delicate alpine environment, and preserving it ensures future couples can have the same magical experience for years to come.

5. Bring the Right Team:
Having an experienced Brainard Lake, Colorado elopement photographer and videographer who knows the area can make a huge difference. We help with logistics, timing, vendors, timed entry help, and making sure you’re in the best spots for light while still keeping the day relaxed and stress-free.

What It’s Like to Elope in the Colorado Mountains in Summer

If you’ve never experienced summer in Colorado’s high country, picture this: long days filled with sunshine, wildflowers carpeting the valleys, and cool, refreshing mountain air. Mornings are crisp and quiet, afternoons are warm and golden, and evenings bring that perfect pink alpenglow that photographers dream about.

Eloping in Colorado during the summer means endless options: alpine lakes, waterfalls, high passes, and meadows full of life. It’s also a time when you can really embrace the outdoors without worrying too much about snow or freezing temps.

Sara and Ty’s day captured everything we love about this season: color, contrast, and light that feels like magic.

Wrapping Up Sara and Ty’s Brainard Lake Elopement

From their sunrise balloon adventure to their sunset ceremony, every moment of Sara and Ty’s day was filled with intention and joy. They created a day that felt entirely their own. It was unrushed, full of laughter, and grounded in love.

Their elopement reminded us why we love what we do. As your Brainard Lake elopement photographer and videographer, our goal is always to tell your story in a way that feels true to you. Whether that means hiking through rain, dancing barefoot by the lake, or sipping Coke instead of champagne, we’re here for it.

Sara and Ty’s day will forever be one of our favorites. It was adventurous, emotional, and beautifully simple in all the right ways.

If you’re dreaming about your own Brainard Lake elopement, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s plan your adventure, chase that mountain light, and create something unforgettable together.

Thinking about your own Brainard Lake, Colorado elopement?

Reach out today to start planning with your Brainard Lake, Colorado elopement photographer and videographer team. Let’s create a day that feels like you, because that’s what makes it unforgettable